“Cute Dogs: Craft Your Own Pooches” and “Cute Pups: Canine Friends and Accessories” by Chie Hayano, 2009, Vertical, Inc., $14.95 each, softbound, 78 pages each: With 16 breeds covered in “Cute Dogs” and 12 in “Cute Pups,” dog lovers are bound to find a breed to suit them in this clever set of books designed to help people fashion their own miniature plush animals. Though most people would not manage to put the extreme care and consideration that Chie Hayano applies to her miniatures, the books nevertheless do make you want to try.
Filled with color photographs of tiny plush dogs sitting in tiny chairs, teacups or even teaspoons, and playing with tiny Frisbees, these books are an inspiration. The author infuses personality into each of her creations, naming them and writing little stories about them. The cover dog on “Cute Dogs,” for instance, is named Bob; he says he’s charming and good at upward glances. He likes playing dress-up and taking walks. Wendy the white terrier is eager to be around people, and Pocky, the Yorkshire terrier pup, is demanding and liable to chew your slippers.
In “Cute Pups,” the author also makes all sorts of amusing accessories to go with the plush dogs. Accessories include collars, leashes, chew bones, dog carriers, bowls, beds, clothes and toys. The items are made out of a variety of materials, including polymer clay, fabric and buttons.
The dogs themselves are crafted out of micro fleece (or miniature fur), fake fur, mohair and faux suede, with onyx beads or glass for the eyes (depending on the breed), and stainless steel balls mixed in with the stuffing for stability and weight. The choice of onyx beads versus glass eyes makes a huge difference in the look of the completed animal: pugs, for example, have the larger glass eyes, while the long-coated Chihuahua has onyx beads. Other details also make the breeds more individual. “Eyebrows” are given to some, such as the Shiba Inu (which looks something like a miniature pinscher); coat patterns vary, as the type of fabric used for the fur – the Japanese spitz has straight mohair fabric, which is long and fluffy, while the dalmatian has miniature fur or fleece. Spots are added to the dalmatian with a pen.
Hayano includes complete patterns and instructions for finishing each dog. In “Cute Dogs,” she also shows the real-life dogs who inspired her creations. Plus, she has little sketches with the dogs, in which they interact with each other and address the reader.
Lee’s take: Well-done.
J.J.’s take: A neat idea.
LEE AND J.J. MACFADDEN are twins and voracious readers living in Bristol, Tenn. E-mail them at leeandjj.doubletake@yahoo.com.
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